Study Desk

So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up^[a] the Son of Man,^(af) then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.^(ag)

The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone,^(ah) for I always do what pleases him."^(ai)

Even as he spoke, many believed in him.^(aj)

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching,^(ak) you are really my disciples.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."^(al)

They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants^(am) and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?"

Jesus replied, "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.^(an)

Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.^(ao)

So if the Son sets you free,^(ap) you will be free indeed.

I know that you are Abraham's descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me,^(aq) because you have no room for my word.

I am telling you what I have seen in the Father's presence,^(ar) and you are doing what you have heard from your father.^[b]"^(as)

"Abraham is our father," they answered. "If you were Abraham's children,"^(at) said Jesus, "then you would^[c] do what Abraham did.

As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me,^(au) a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.^(av) Abraham did not do such things.

You are doing the works of your own father."^(aw) "We are not illegitimate children," they protested. "The only Father we have is God himself."^(ax)

Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me,^(ay) for I have come here from God.^(az) I have not come on my own;^(ba) God sent me.^(bb)

Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say.

You belong to your father, the devil,^(bc) and you want to carry out your father's desires.^(bd) He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.^(be)

Yet because I tell the truth,^(bf) you do not believe me!

Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don't you believe me?

Whoever belongs to God hears what God says.^(bg) The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."

The Jews answered him, "Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan^(bh) and demon-possessed?"^(bi)

"I am not possessed by a demon," said Jesus, "but I honor my Father and you dishonor me.

I am not seeking glory for myself;^(bj) but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge.

Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death."^(bk)

At this they exclaimed, "Now we know that you are demon-possessed!^(bl) Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death.

Are you greater than our father Abraham?^(bm) He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?"

Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself,^(bn) my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.^(bo)

Though you do not know him,^(bp) I know him.^(bq) If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word.^(br)

Your father Abraham^(bs) rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it^(bt) and was glad."

"You are not yet fifty years old," they said to him, "and you have seen Abraham!"

"Very truly I tell you," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born,^(bu) I am!"^(bv)

At this, they picked up stones to stone him,^(bw) but Jesus hid himself,^(bx) slipping away from the temple grounds.